{"id":86,"date":"2016-02-16T05:04:59","date_gmt":"2016-02-16T05:04:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/drakenwatches.com\/?page_id=86"},"modified":"2025-03-31T12:52:13","modified_gmt":"2025-03-30T23:52:13","slug":"about","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.drakenwatches.com\/about\/","title":{"rendered":"About"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” next_background_color=”#000000″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#000000″ custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”” top_divider_height=”52px” bottom_divider_style=”slant2″ bottom_divider_height=”47px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_slider _builder_version=”4.25.1″ header_level=”h1″ header_font=”|300|||||||” body_font=”||||||||” background_image=”https:\/\/drakenwatches.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/Drakensberg-BG-e1519552968941.jpg” background_position=”top_center” animation_style=”fade” header_text_shadow_style=”preset2″ box_shadow_style=”preset6″ box_shadow_blur=”10px” box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.1)” show_inner_shadow=”on” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off”][et_pb_slide heading=”About” use_bg_overlay=”on” bg_overlay_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” use_text_overlay=”off” admin_title=”About” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ header_font=”|700||on|||||” header_font_size=”52px” body_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” header_font_size_tablet=”” header_font_size_phone=”32px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” sticky_transition=”on”][\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_fullwidth_slider][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” next_background_color=”#212121″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#000000″ custom_padding=”||50px|” custom_padding_tablet=”50px|0|50px|0″ bottom_divider_style=”slant2″ bottom_divider_height=”54px” bottom_divider_flip=”horizontal” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ padding_mobile=”off” column_padding_mobile=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”46px|0px|27px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_blurb title=”Our Namesake” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”{||divi||400″ icon_color=”#ffffff” image_icon_background_color=”#000000″ image_icon_width=”48″ admin_label=”Our Namesake” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ header_font=”|||on|||||” header_font_size=”24″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” image_icon_custom_padding=”25px|25px|25px|25px|false|false” text_orientation=”center” background_layout=”dark” border_radii_image=”on|100%|100%|100%|100%” border_width_all_image=”3px” border_color_all_image=”#ffffff” icon_font_size=”48″ use_circle=”on” use_circle_border=”on” circle_border_color=”#ffffff” circle_color=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}” image_icon_background_color__sticky_enabled=”#7EBEC5″ image_icon_background_color__sticky=”#7EBEC5″]<\/p>\n

The name Draken comes from the name Drakensberg, meaning ‘mountain of dragons’. Extending almost the entire length of South Africa, the range forms a central plateau with the highest peaks in the east. It is a place that is serene and ancient, and beckons for adventure.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_blurb title=”Our Mission” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”?||divi||400″ icon_color=”#ffffff” image_icon_background_color=”#000000″ image_icon_width=”48″ admin_label=”Our Mission” _builder_version=”4.16″ header_font=”|||on|||||” header_font_size=”24″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” image_icon_custom_padding=”25px|25px|25px|25px|false|false” text_orientation=”center” background_layout=”dark” border_radii_image=”on|100%|100%|100%|100%” border_width_all_image=”3px” border_color_all_image=”#ffffff” icon_font_size=”48″ use_circle=”on” use_circle_border=”on” circle_border_color=”#ffffff” circle_color=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}” image_icon_background_color__sticky_enabled=”#7EBEC5″ image_icon_background_color__sticky=”#7EBEC5″]<\/p>\n

At Draken Watches we strive to create hard-wearing, reliable timepieces that you can take into any outdoor situation, and be confident that it won’t skip a beat. We know that our toughest test begins with you, our customer. Take your Draken to the limits.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_blurb title=”Our Philosophy” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”#ffffff” image_icon_background_color=”#000000″ image_icon_width=”48″ admin_label=”Our Philosophy” _builder_version=”4.16″ header_font=”|||on|||||” header_font_size=”24″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” image_icon_custom_padding=”25px|25px|25px|25px|false|false” text_orientation=”center” background_layout=”dark” border_radii_image=”on|100%|100%|100%|100%” border_width_all_image=”3px” border_color_all_image=”#ffffff” icon_font_size=”48″ use_circle=”on” use_circle_border=”on” circle_border_color=”#ffffff” circle_color=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}” image_icon_background_color__sticky_enabled=”#7EBEC5″ image_icon_background_color__sticky=”#7EBEC5″]<\/p>\n

To create unique and original designs that fulfil the needs of our customers who seek adventure in all of life’s forms. We’re not about creating homages and replicas. When you buy a Draken, you are buying something truly special.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” next_background_color=”#2d2d2d” admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ background_color=”#212121″ custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”50px|0|50px|0″ custom_padding_phone=”” bottom_divider_style=”slant2″ bottom_divider_height=”49px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.drakenwatches.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Mike-Blythe-pic.jpg” title_text=”Mike-Blythe-pic” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|3px||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_3_font=”|||on|||||” custom_padding=”|||0px||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Michael Blythe<\/h3>\n

Founder and designer<\/p>\n

Although I currently reside in Waipu, New Zealand, I still consider South Africa my Motherland, and the Drakensberg has a special place in my heart. Many of the holidays of my youth were spent exploring and hiking these wondrous mountains, and I always try to see them when I go back for a visit. The outdoors have always been a great source of inspiration for me, and whether I’m hiking in the Berg in South Africa, or mountain biking in New Zealand, it is these environments that I feel most at home.<\/p>\n

I have always had a passion for design, but it wasn’t until 2015 when I was introduced to the Microbrand watch industry, that I became completely obsessed with watches.\u00a0I didn’t just want Draken to be another homage watch company, but rather to walk a fresh new path with distinct original designs.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2d2d2d” top_divider_color=”#000000″ top_divider_height=”49px” top_divider_flip=”horizontal” bottom_divider_style=”slant2″ bottom_divider_color=”#000000″ bottom_divider_height=”52px” global_module=”848″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Instagram” text_orientation=”center” admin_label=”Instagram heading” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ title_font=”|700||on|||||” background_color=”rgba(242,242,242,0)” custom_button_one=”on” button_one_text_color=”#2ea3f2″ button_one_bg_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0)” button_one_border_color=”#2ea3f2″ custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”||16px||false|false” animation_style=”fade” button_one_text_color_hover=”#2ea3f2″ button_one_border_color_hover=”#2ea3f2″ button_one_border_radius_hover=”2″ button_one_bg_color_hover=”rgba(255,255,255,0)” global_colors_info=”{}” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_one_text_color__hover=”#2ea3f2″ button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_one_border_color__hover=”#2ea3f2″ button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”on” button_one_border_radius__hover=”2″ button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_one_bg_color__hover=”rgba(255,255,255,0)” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][et_pb_fullwidth_code disabled_on=”off|off|off” admin_label=”Instagram feed” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ custom_padding=”||64px||false|false” animation_style=”fade” global_colors_info=”{}”]\n

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\n\t\t\n\t\t\tBack to QC and testing on the Aoraki and Kruger to<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>

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\n\t\t\n\t\t\tThe Tugela GMT 'Steel' on olive nylon strap. A cle<\/span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>

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\n\t\t\n\t\t\tKia Ora! Today\u2019s mission was to collect firewood f<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>

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\n\t\t\n\t\t\tJust added new stock of the Kruger \u2018B\u2019 Black to th<\/span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>

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\n\t\t\n\t\t\tMy daily walk down the driveway, checking the poss<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>

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\n\t\t\n\t\t\tJohn from Calgary sent in these great shots while <\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>

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\n\t\t\n\t\t\tWe are down to the last couple of black Tugela GMT<\/span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>

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\n\t\t\n\t\t\tWe've just taken stock of some beautiful new Itali<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>

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\n\t\t\n\t\t\tDistrict Time 2026 is just over 6 weeks away, and <\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>

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\n\t\t\n\t\t\tWe are down to the last few pieces of the Tugela G<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\t<\/div>\n\n\t

\n\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFollow on Instagram<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\t\n<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t<\/span>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t